Courts should independently examine challenges rather than mechanically follow precedent

The High Court dismissed the 2025 petition by following its earlier decision. The judgment noted the absence of independent application of mind. The earlier decision concerned the challenged 2024 process. The legal and factual position for a later session required consideration. A precedent must be applied after examining its relevance to the case. The Supreme Court explained why the 2025 issue remained open. The appellants were allowed to bring a fresh, properly constituted case. The decision underscores reasoned judicial consideration. Divjot Sekhon v. State of Punjab and Others | 2026 INSC 26